July set new global heat record, scientists confirm

BERLIN — Meteorologists say July was the hottest month measured on Earth since records began in 1880.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that July was 1.71 degrees warmer than the 20th century average for the month.

The results had been expected after several European countries reported new all-time temperature records in July. Scientists say the upward trend will likely continue because of man-made climate change.

Last month narrowly topped the previous July record, set in 2016, by 0.05 degrees.

June of this year had already set a sizzling record for that month over the past 140 years.

The year to date is also 1.71 degrees above the long-term average, but still slightly behind 2016.